Account Director

Company Description

Saatchi & Saatchi is the “Nothing is Impossible” agency, and one of the world’s most iconic agency brands.

We’re defined by Big Thinking, Creative Spirit and a Can-Do Culture.

We’re part of Publicis Groupe, the world’s 3rd largest communications network that is driving innovation across the world, and leading the change in the brave new world of advertising (Ad Age’s Network of the Year 2022).

Scope of the role

To implement and manage the successful creation, integration, development and roll-out of client campaign communication.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

1. Strategically lead your portfolio of accounts and build strong, long lasting relationships
2. Ability to offer sound recommendations and add real value that positively influences the business
3. Identify and maximise new business growth in collaboration with the client
4. Be the “go to” person on their (client) brand across all communication disciplines
5. Collaborate with and act as a team player with the staff compliment
6. Mentor, grow and act as a layer of support to your direct reports (Account Manager & BTA) as well as the broader Client Service team
7. Work in an open and honest way with your line manager ensuring that issues are raised quickly
8. Show value by identifying potential business opportunities for both the Agency, Groupe as well as Client
9. Play an active role in working on new business pitches as and when required
10. Nurture and grow your Account Manager from the start; support them in the operational and client relationship success of their day to day work
11. Grow strong partnerships with the various allocated discipline individuals to ensure they are able to deliver work that generates measurable business results for the clients
12. Support and maintain the host agencies culture across your team
13. Work with your Account Managers, Account Directors and BUD to help shift your clients relationships from pure execution to become more consultative partners who add real value
14. Proactively contribute to the on-going vision of the agency, leading by example and driving an innovative spirit within the (PO1) team
15. Respect the operational processes at all times
16. Responsible for client and employee reviews with the aim to improve scores year on year
17. Ensure campaigns are fully integrated and deliver on brief requirements
18. Take ownership of your accounts finances and ensure CE's and billings are completed on time as outlined by the Finance team
19. Keep abreast of market developments, trends and innovation in order to identify potential opportunities for the agency and your clients (maintain industry best practice)
20. Ability to scope projects from a resourcing and timing POV

Qualifications

1. Relevant tertiary qualification in Business Management / Marketing / Communication / Advertising
2. Proficient in MS Office (i.e. Word / Excel / PowerPoint)
3. Minimum 6 years working experience in an Advertising Agency in Client Service with 1 year being an Account Director
4. Proven experience in strategically leading client accounts
5. Successfully identifying and driving new business opportunities
6. TTL & Digital experience is essential
7. A good command of the English language (both verbal and written)
8. Excellent administration and organizational skills
9. Strong time management skills
10. Strong multi-tasking skills (ability to work on multiple briefs at any given time)
11. Strong leadership skills
12. Social media savvy
13. Solid understanding of the brands you work on from a brand and in market POV

Additional Information

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Working efficiently and smoothly with seniors
2. Learning and following process from seniors
3. Following company process, contact reports, Chase management, budget tracking etc.
4. Honing excellent communication skills
5. Developing effective and confident presentation skills
6. Oversight and guidance of the campaign-building process
7. The ability to determine and prioritize hi-low priority work
8. Management of internal and external stakeholder expectations
9. Constantly drive for client satisfaction and positive feedback
10. Constant, effective communication with internal and external stakeholder on all work you are responsible for. Being proactive in the way you communicate and upward manage is essential.
11. Problem solving
12. Timekeeping, deadline management and punctuality
13. Co-worker relationships
14. Skills growth, industry research and constantly seeking personal growth and upskilling yourself
15. Ensuring high and consistent quality of your own work
16. Ensuring quality control of work delivered from studio

Got what it takes? We’d love to hear from you.

Candidates must please submit a concise CV.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within 2 weeks after submitting your application, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

Publicis Groupe is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and prohibits any forms of Discrimination or Harassment. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees in line with our Employment Equity Plan. All appointments will be based on qualifications, experience and best fit but preference will be given to all candidates from designated groups.